Plant Catalog

   
Perennials   Grasses   Ferns

Explanation of the column headings in the Plant Catalog:

Botanical Name- Botanical science requires a unique name for each plant. In addition to several other sources, we refer to the List of Names of Perennials, by van de Laar, Fortgens, Hoffman and de Jong to make sure that we are using the current and most generally accepted plant names and the correct horticultural nomenclature.

Common Name- Often there are several common names used for a given plant, and what is the most popular choice can vary from region to region. In addition, sometimes the same common name is used for different plants, causing confusion. However, we recognize the fact that common names are often descriptive and sometimes easier to associate with a plant.

Height - This figure indicates the approximate height of the plant when in flower. The actual flower/foliage height difference varies among plants. Some plants have excellent durable foliage and should be planted where the whole plant can be appreciated regardless of the height of its flowers. Some shorter see-through plants have tall flowers that do not hide plants in the background. [fol.] = foliage height, given for Hostas.

Spacing - This figure indicates the distance apart for planting, picturing the plants growth and spread in a few years. Tight spacing works well with some plants, while others need ample room to grow in order to thrive and reach their peak. Instead of the specified spacing, occasionally one might consider some increased spacing to preserve a particular characteristic, such as arching for a greater number of years.

Color - A short description of flower color is given for quick reference. Color can vary with the time of day, the soil, microclimate, season and exposure, with no two people seeing it alike. In the color column [fol.] = foliage color, otherwise flower color is described.

Flowering Season- In this column general flowering times are given. The terms [early, mid & late] appear for Astilbe and Hemerocallis and refer to Astilbe bloom season being l. spring - l. summer, and Daylily bloom season being roughly the same.

Light - General lighting requirements are given. [Su = Sun, Sh = Shade, & pSh = Part Shade] The preferred lighting is given first. Lighting recommendations will vary between publications. Often broader specifications are given covering larger regions, and may present conservative or untested requirements not applicable to our area.(Zone 6)

Habit - The general appearance of a plant regarding mode of growth and foliage effect. This is essential to know when planning gardens and siting plants.

Clump Formers - Plants that gradually increase in size while remaining in bounds over time.

Carpeting Plants - Plants that increase by surface runners, sometimes rooting as they go. Usually used for border edges, among rocks and ledges, paving spaces and the tops of retaining walls.

Spreaders - Plants that increase by means of underground shoots. Should be used with understanding, many of them being vigorous growers that need to be confined or planted where they won’t overrun other plants, or escape into the neighbors yard.

Hummock - A bun-shaped, bushy, rounded, woody perennial or shrub.

Preferred Sites - water & soil - These specifications are contained in text descriptions for the plants. Most perennials will thrive in any reasonably well drained soil that maintains average moisture and moderate fertility. The plants described as preferring wet sites will also grow well in moist soils but don’t like drying out. Those described as preferring average and dry conditions like excellent drainage, and drying out a bit between rainfall or waterings. Plants will perform best when their optimum soil requirements are met. Refer to “Plant Lists for Special Purposes” for groups of plants with similar attributes, and plants that like similar site conditions.

Print Entire Catalog

Phone 845-735-2904

BILL KOLVEK PERENNIALS / P.O.Box 8525 Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 / FAX# 845-735-1157